TRIBUTES HAVE poured in for Britain’s first black female headteacher, Yvonne Connolly, whose death was announced on 30th January.
Connolly became the country’s first black headteacher in 1969 at Ring Cross Infant School, in Holloway, at just 29-years-old.
She arrived in the UK in 1963 as part of the Windrush generation with just three years of education training before having a career in education that spanned over 40 years.
She was also an Ofsted inspector for seven years between 1977-1986. When this role ended, she continued being an active voice in the home secretary’s advisory council on race relations.
The Department of Education has paid their respects to Connolly in a statement, describing her as a “history maker.”
“We’re sad to hear about the death of Yvonne Conolly, the UK’s first female black head teacher. She remains an inspiration and leaves a lasting legacy,” the statement read.
Former Times Education Supplement editor, Ann Mroz, said that she was “sad to hear” of her passing.
She went on to describe her as a “remarkable trailblazing educator and a wonderfully supportive woman.”
Connolly, who had been suffering from an incurable blood cancer for ten years, received racist abuse after being appointed headteacher and needed a bodyguard to accompany her to work.
After retiring from teaching in 2001, Connolly remained chair of the Caribbean Teachers’ Association and in October 2020 she was honoured for her services to education with the Honorary Fellow of Education award from the Naz Legacy Foundation.
HRH Prince of Wales, who announced Connolly’s award, said at the time that she had “character and determination” which helped her break barriers for black educators.
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16 Comments
I never met Ms Yvonne Connolly in person, but just hearing about the trail that she blazed and the character that she displayed during her tenure of service, is enough inspiration for the present and upcoming black generations of Britain. Her soul RIP.
Rise in LOVE, PEACE POWERFULLY Mama Teacher💕🙏🏿💕✨✨
May she Rest In Peace and Rise In Glory.
amazing achievement ,I came across Yvonne’sname before not knowing her fight to pursue her purpose to educate children .
it seems someone of her quality should be honoured for her true example of grit and determination in the face of racist threats and bigotry . i salute you Yvonne Connolly .
What a grt lady, gave so much to education. How sad her passing rest in peace always.
RIP Mahat, your light will burn eternal.
Oh My Lord! I went to Ring Cross Infants and primary School yes I remember Ms Connerly from there i remember is she seemed very strict too and the Primary was Mr Duprey wowzer where have the year’s gone SMH I met her some years later wen I went for a course at the Old Barnsbury School, Offord Rd, Rest in peace Ms Connerly ❤
RIP a shining light that will never be distinguished, I also salute you Yvonne Connolly. Their should be a plaque in recognition of her lasting legacy.
I went to Ring Cross, but when Yvonne arrived in the infants, I was in the junior school. I remember seeing her. What I do remember is seeing her in the newspapers, and many people in the community were very proud. However I did hear the racist talk, and some parents threatening to take their children out of the school! I was too young to understand why they were so upset and making horrid comments, which their children sometimes echoed! So proud of her and what she achieved! A wonderful role model! We salute you Yvonne Connolly!
Bodyguard, you have paved the way for so many of us. So inspiring RIP xxx
Yvonne Connerly, thank you so much for your fortitude and determination in the face of bigotry and evil, your excellence and unwavering purpose of educating our young. May you rest in blissful peace. Your legacy lives on.
What a legacy she has left for us teachers who followed in her footsteps and are still trailblazing. Truly ‘A woman of substance.’ RIP.
Another unsung who made her mark
For those of us who knows lets not forget to teach our children our grandchildren lets not or ever forget HISTORY for which there is always a place
RIP
What an astonishing woman! She faced what would have been a very, very difficult time back in the 1960s trying not only to establish her career, but first and foremost; building the future of children from all backgrounds and creeds in a harsh, prejudice and racist society on a daily basis. Nonetheless, she continued to hold her head up high and create a great legacy. Thank you beautiful queen, mother and strong Black woman. RIPP🌹
Well done! A trailblazer! Let’s learn from her – go and excel in what you enjoy!
Yvonne was one amazing woman, her successes are not surprising to those with whom she interacted. She is from Frankfield, Clarendon. As a student, I met her at Knox College, where she taught in the junior school. She was versatile, participated in many sports and in the rich cultural activities at the school. I hope her legacy has established a trajectory that will be followed for the betterment of human beings, which was her life’s goal. May her soul find eternal rest.